A Call for Sisterhood in the Yoga Studio

We live in a society that praises competitiveness. We take pride in our sports teams, beauty pageants, ratings of Blockbuster movies, and who won first prize in any contest. The gold standard—a combination of money, power, and status—carries over into our work and personal relationships.

Our competitive society especially creates a chasm among women. In a society that encourages competitiveness, can women use the tools they learn on the yoga mat to lend their voice, and their hand, to other women?

Feminine strength in one word: collaboration

Recently I went to a women­­-only networking event. The energy in the room was vibrant as women of every size and color discussed ideas, brainstormed together, and bolstered each other through mutual respect and admiration. When women come together to aid each other rather than cut each other down, everyone is stronger and more empowered.

In The Feminine Face of God, Sherry Ruth Anderson and Patricia Hopkins write:

“A circle of women can provide a container for emergence in a way that a woman alone or even in a one-to-one relationship cannot.”

As social beings, women are meant to work together. Traditionally as the gatherers in a hunting-and-gathering society, women stuck together to watch the children, tend to the tribe, and ensure the safety of the group. Women are hardwired to collaborate, not to compete.

Honoring the goddess beside you

During an asana practice, we move into various shapes, such as a Triangle pose, Cow pose, Downward-Facing Dog, Tree pose, or Eagle pose. We take the shapes of all these different beings in nature to understand that we are one with everything in nature. The fear of another woman taking our beauty, youth, or success is so ingrained, however, there is still a practice of sideways glances, cutting remarks, and jealousy.

But at the same time, we take the shape of a goddess in Utkata Konasana and get distracted by a gorgeous woman on another mat. Instead of noting that she, like you, is a goddess, we may spiral down a rabbit hole of emotions and thoughts that are not empowering to you or her.

A practice beyond the postures

Some may argue that a competitive society helps people strive to be their best. But more often, a competitive culture breeds feelings of inadequacy, as we look for outside validation of our worth.

Yoga teaches that everything we need to grow and to succeed is already within us. Our yoga practice is not to hold a perfect posture but rather to hold ourselves the best that we can. Both on and off the mat, we must consistently practice compassion to ourselves and to others. This is the process of self-reflection, inner awareness, and understanding that each person is on their own path.

In yoga classes, we are asked to self-reflect, express gratitude, and recognize our practice as one of seva—service to ourselves and to others. When we move beyond the asanas as simply a form of exercise, and cultivate harmony within and around us, we learn our part in a larger community.

Empower yoga

Ultimately we must understand that another person’s journey does not shadow our own. Your thoughts and emotions are forms of energy that affect your well-being and health.

When you judge or perceive another woman as a threat, recognize that your inner self may be experiencing feelings of doubt or inadequacy. Trust in your strengths, abilities, and sense of self-worth. Counter any habitual nature to compete by supporting women through your actions and thoughts.

When you bolster up the women around you, you will discover that your ability to empower another woman will not limit you. It will give you the wings to fly.

Kimi Marin discovered yoga over a decade ago looking for an activity to complement running. Over time, yoga became a way of life. Kimi teaches yoga to help others find clarity in their mind, body, and spirit. She guides students through their practice by riding the waves of breath, continually aligning breath and body into a rhythmic flow of consciousness.
Kimi has a master’s degree in literature, and loves to combine the power of stories with yoga. She often weaves the myths and stories about various poses into the class. Her transformative Yogic Lore workshops are a fun combination of stories, asana, meditation, and mantra.
Kimi was featured in Origin Magazine’s Inspire Series, was the featured ambassador for Ahnu Footwear June 2013, and her writing has been published on several blog sites. When Kimi is not teaching or writing, she can be found playing in nature with her dog and husband. Learn more at http://kimimarinyoga.com